Tom E. Hillman, or Chippy to fellow workers, was born on May 21, 1953, and passed away February 24, 2023, in Gardnerville, NV after a twelve-year struggle with COPD/emphysema. In the twelve years with COPD, Tom spent his time restoring vintage TM-400 motocross motorcycles on a budget. Tom had a mechanical mind and didn’t necessarily need plans in order to build or put things together which helped in the Navy as a Boiler Technician from 1974-1980 on the U.S.S. Juneau LPD-10.
He was a good husband to his wife of twenty-nine years, Michelle Hillman (McSparen). Together they gave a home to seven dogs within those years. Tom’s favorite was Sarah, a little shepherd mix, who was their ‘wild child’.
Tom is survived by his wife; his father Thomas Michael Hillman; his stepmother Judy Dow; his birth mother Elmira Coffe; two sisters: Arleen Tostenson and Barbara Skelton; his father-in-law Donald L. McSparen; two brothers-in-law: Donnie McSparen and Travis McSparen.
In all of Tom’s life decisions, he did make the most important one that settles where he will spend eternity by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and repentance. His wife will see Tom again and spend eternity with their Heavenly Father!
A memorial service will be held at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Reno NV, on Thursday, March 16th at 11:00 am. A graveside service is to follow at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery also on Thursday, March 16, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Strawberry Fields Animal Shelter: https://strawberryfieldsrescue.org at the bottom of the page click on the Donate button.